EIA Full Form

What is the full form of EIA

EIA stands for Environment Impact assessment; it is a tool used to study the impact caused by a new proposed project or process on the environment. It studies the positive and negative impacts of a project from environmental, economic, and social perspectives.EIA is done along with the project proposal so it helps to take decisions necessary to prevent any adverse effects.EIA is mandatory for getting sanctioned for any project or construction. By implementing EIA in a project environmental and economic benefits can be achieved, and it helps to reduce the cost and time-bound implementation of the design. It aims an eco-friendly development.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of EIA
2. What is EIA?
3. History of EIA
4. What does EIA Cover?
5. Steps in EIA Process
6. What is The Process Involved in EIA in India?
7. Who are The Stakeholders in EIA?
8. Importance of EIA
9. Advantages of EIA
10. Disadvantages of EIA

What is EIA?

EIA is a tool used to assess the likely impact a project can bring to the environmental, social, and economic scenario of the site. It is conducted at the proposal stage or prior to decision-making.EIA is practiced in more than 100 countries including India. In India, EIA is made mandatory under Environment Protection Act 1986.

History of EIA

The evolution of Environment Impact assessment during the 1970s in the United States of America was practiced and made a norm by the National Environment Protection Act( NEPA) in 1969. By 1986 the World Bank conducted EIA for various projects. In India, EIA was introduced by order by the planning commission of India to the Department of Science and Technology to conduct an environmental assessment of river valley projects. In 1994, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MEF), Government of India, declared EIA mandatory under the Environmental (Protection) Act 1986, It is conducted for the expansion or modernization of any activity or for setting up new projects.

What does EIA Cover?

EIA includes the following areas:

• Examination of both positive and negative consequences of a project or developmental plan.

• Figuring out the possible environmental effects and ways for its mitigation.

• Optimum utilization of resources and minimizing cost.

• Completion of project time-bound.

• Promotion of community participation in projects.

• Environmentally friendly development.

Steps in EIA Process

Steps in the EIA process differ based on the legislation of the country. There are 8 common steps involved in any EIA process. They are as follows:

• Screening- The first stage determines a need for EIA in a project and if required the level of assessment is decided.

• Scoping-The probable impacts or key issues are addressed in the project. The extent of the study to be completed and its time frame is set.

• Impact Analysis-This Stage identifies the impact and evaluates its significance.

• Mitigation- The action to be taken to prevent and minimize the adverse effect is figured.

• Reporting-The EIA report is prepared and is ready to be submitted to the Decision making body.

• Review of EIA- Reviews the EIA report and instructions will be given to the project team for decision making

• Decision Making-This step decides whether the project is approved or rejected based on the EIA report.

• Post Monitoring- Once the project is Commissioned and active the study is done periodically to follow and do mitigation steps to assess any impacts.

What is The Process Involved in EIA in India?

According to the Environment Protection act of 1986, any development or project requires sanction from central and state governments. This is required for construction, expansion, and modernization. Based on these rules the construction is categorized into the following:

Project Category A

• These include the construction or expansion of Ports, harbors, airports, nuclear power, related projects, metallurgical industries (iron, steel, copper, etc), individual projects, etc…

• Project A requires sanction from the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Project Category B

• This includes developmental activities in environmentally important areas like wetlands, grassland, forests, etc…

• Category B requires Approval from the State Expert Appraisal Committee.

Who are The Stakeholders in EIA?

• The person, team, or company who proposes the project.

• The environment scientist or consultant who prepared the EIA report for the project.

• Pollution Control Board (State or National)

• The public can voice their opinion and concerns.

• The Impact Assessment Agency

• The regional center of the MoEFCC(Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in India)

Importance of EIA

EIA aims for eco-friendly development with the support of the community and minimizing the adverse effects by accessing the possible problems associated with a project, industry, or construction.

Advantages of EIA

• Helps in planning and efficient utilization of human and natural resources

• It reduces costs and time taken to reach a decision

• It identifies the primary and secondary consequences, which might necessitate the introduction of expensive pollution control measures.

• It minimizes adverse effects.

• Helps in site selection for a project or developmental activity.

• It helps to determine environmental, social, or health criteria to be used, when a large number of sites are screened for their suitability.

• Healthier environment and improved human health.

• Eco-Friendly development

Disadvantages of EIA

• Lack of knowledge of EIA-based technologies.

• Lack of reliability of data.

• Lack of training in assessment

• Lack of follow-up monitoring.

• Loopholes in Application process and evaluation.

• Lack of credibility in the EIA team.